Jim and I took in the most enchanting exhibit at the Bismarck Art Galleries Association this afternoon, one of the treasures of our city. The exhibit is “Northern Plains Native Americans: A Modern Wet Plate Perspective” by Shane Balkowitsch. I was particularly taken with many of the subject’s Native American names.

Although there were dozens that deeply moved us, my two favorite images are pictured below: “Butterflies Brought Her Home” and “Coyote Sings Alone.” We saw many images of longtime friends.

“Butterflies Brought Her Home.”

“Coyote Who Sings Alone.”

It is only open through Nov. 22, so do go. Thank you so much to all of the sponsors who made this show possible.

Oh, and while we were there, Jim gathered intel on BAGA’s upcoming cookie walk.

With the exception of my home, my favorite human-made place in the state is the North Dakota Heritage Center. I live a short distance from there and go very frequently, to view the exhibits, to eat lunch, to do research at the State Archives and just to hang out in their pleasant spaces. Heck, I just like to drive by! It is one of North Dakota’s crown jewels.

This morning I went there to see the temporary exhibit “Chocolate“, something that has been on “my list” for months. And learn more about chocolate, did I. From the tree on which the pods grow, to the Mayan and Aztec cultures, to the spread of chocolate around the world and more.

All of this made me want to eat some chocolate, so I made a pass through the excellent James River Cafe for an indulgence.

Then, I strolled over to check out their new exhibit on World War I. I highly recommend both exhibits. When I was living in Medora, I worked as a museum technician for Theodore Roosevelt National Park. I love museums and visit as many as I can. Kudos to the hard-working and talented staff at the North Dakota Heritage Center. What a good investment of our tax dollars.